Download Stable Vs Unstable Isotopes

Stable Vs Unstable Isotopes
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For lighter atoms, a 1:1 ratio of neutrons to protons is stable
For larger atoms, it takes a greater number of neutrons to maintain stability
Beyond atomic number 83, all atoms are radioactive (unstable)
We call atoms that are radioactive radioisotopes.
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Nuclear Chemistry
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Nuclear chemistry involves a change to an atoms nucleus.
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Nuclear reactions are accompanied by tremendous energy changes as an unstable isotope
spontaneously undergoes changes.
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Some types of nuclear decay include:
1. Alpha decay: An atom emits an alpha particle, thus the nucleus loses 2 protons and 2
neutrons. The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.
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Beta decay: An atom emits a beta particle in the form of an electron when a neutron is
changed into a proton. The atomic number increases by 1 while the mass number remains
the same.
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Gamma decay: Usually accompanies alpha or beta emissions as an energy release.
Gamma rays cause no change in atomic or mass number since it is a form of energy only.
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Nuclear Medicine
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Diagnostic Imaging: radioisotope is administered via ingestion or injection and allowed to
circulate to organ/area of interest in order to assess function.
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Radiation Therapy:
– Internal RT: radioisotope is administered via injection, ingestion or surgical implantation with
the intent to release a dose of ionizing radiation high enough to kill malignant cells.
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External RT: beam of radiation is aimed at the site of malignancy with the intent to cause
death to malignant cells.
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Problems from Ch 11
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Co-60 is used in external beam radiation therapy. It undergoes beta decay which is
accompanied by the emission of gamma rays. Write an equation to show this decay:
2.
Po-210 has been studied for use in heating spacecraft. It undergoes alpha decay. Write a
reaction to show this decay:
3.
C-14 in the atmosphere undergoes beta decay. Write a reaction to show this decay:
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